US, France reach deal on UN ME resolutionThe United States and France reached agreement yesterday on a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the fighting between Israel and Lebanon as the first step toward a political settlement

US slaps sanctions on Indian, Russian firmsThe United States has imposed sanctions against seven companies from North Korea, Russia, India and Cuba for their alleged arms dealings with Iran, a State Department official said on Friday.

Lankan refugees live under trees15,000 Muslims flee shellingFamilies huddled under trees and slept in bullock carts Saturday as accommodation ran out for over 15,000 Muslim men, women and children fleeing Sri Lanka's bloodiest battle in four years.

Cuba readies troops fearing US attackCuba government has mobilised citizen defence militias, saying it fears a US attack during Fidel Castro's health crisis, even though the White House insists no such threat exists.